Gino Sarfatti, bereft of formal education, had to improvise and create each item by working directly with the craftsmen. His re-interprations of traditional chandeliers in Mid-Century modern style are among his most iconic pieces. Bio Gino Sarfatti (born 16 September 1912, Venice, Italy–died 6 March 1985, Griante, Como, Italy) was an Italian businessman, light and …
Gino Sarfatti: the Mid-Century Modern light craftsman Read More »
Serge Mouille was an enlightening presence of the Mid-Century Modern design and one of the most outstanding French light designers of all time. His minimalist aesthetic, combining streamlined shapes with the vibrant luminosity of both metal and light, contributed to a body of work that still maintains its timeless appeal Bio Serge Mouille (1922-1988) was …
Research by Vico Magistretti has concentred on design, project culture, and innovative experimentation with materials and space solutions. Among his most famous creations: the “Eclisse” (Eclipse) and the “Atollo” (Atol) lamps. Bio Born in 1920 in Milan, the city where he graduated in architecture in 1945, Magistretti developed his professional career, primarily in architecture, urban …
Bio Kaare Jensen Klint was a Danish architect, furniture designer, and an artist. In 1903 he began his apprenticeship as a painter, but he switched to architecture quickly, mainly because of his father, the architect P.V. Jensen-Klint. He started as an apprentice to his father, who had a significant influence on his later work. Style …
Within the Mid-Century modern movement, Poul Henningsen was a romantic functionalist. The shape of his PH lamps was not just an end to itself, but based on scientific analysis of light diffusion. In his Artichoke lamp, the aim is to minimize the amount of harsh, direct light by producing a lighter, more reflective light. Bio Poul …
Poul Henningsen: the scientific approach to light diffusion Read More »
Castiglioni brothers’ approach to design was innovative, imaginative, and with a touch of humor. Their focus was on producing highly functional lights that were as practical as aesthetic. Their designs are still bestsellers in production today like their famous Arco and Taccia lamps and held in museums around the world. Bio Achille Castiglioni, who was …
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni: the light brothers Read More »
Nakashima’s work was guided by principles of Japanese woodworking, which he combined with Mid-Century Modern and American Shaker design styles. His appreciation for nature led him to emphasize the beauty of every wood burls, knot, and grain like in his series of Conoid tables and chairs. Bio George Katsutoshi Nakashima trained as an architect, receiving …
Mad Men isn’t just one of the best TV shows of our generation, it is also, arguably, the most effortlessly seductive program on television – and the one that has placed the Mid-Century Modern style firmly in the mainstream. Step inside the Mad Men world, and you immediately find yourself surrounded with covetable Mid-Century Modern …
Decor in Mad Men Style: Mid-Century Modern on TV Read More »
A true master of Mid-Century Modern design, Eero Saarinen challenged traditional furniture design principles introducing innovative structural and aesthetic solutions. In his world legs were substituted by pedestals – like in his Tulip chairs – and armchairs by wombs in an exquisite and unique neo-futuristic style. Bio Eero Saarinen, designer then architect, was known for …
Eero Saarinen: neo-futuristic Mid-Century Modern Read More »
Mid-Century Modern with its idealism and new concepts, was an interpretation of a standard look often portrayed in 50s/60s movies. MCM design continued to maintain a prominent role in our culture. Still today set designers use its clean aestithetic to symbolize the forward-thinking nature of the characters on screen. It’s well known today that the …
Gio Ponti is considered one of the masters of Italian architecture as well as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. In addition to creating important works of architecture, Gio Ponti designed numerous pieces of furniture using artisanal and contemporary production methods: like the 699 SUPERLEGGERA chair Bio Giovanni Ponti, known as …
Gio Ponti: is there any kind of object that he didn’t design? Read More »
It’s hard to think of anyone who influenced Mid-Century Modern design as much as Charles and Ray Eames. Their work displayed new wood molding techniques as well as new materials like fibreglass developed by the US military . Their Lounge Chair & Ottoman is possibly the most iconic MCM design piece. Bio Charles was born in …
Charles & Ray Eames: the most iconic Mid-Century Modern designers Read More »
How can we write about Verner Panton without thinking of these attributes: eccentric, psychedelic, visionary, innovative? Panton quickly became successful thanks to his Panton Chair: a truly Mid-Century Modern icon. But it’s his particular vision of our environment that will leave us the most beautiful trace of his life’s work. Bio Verner Panton was born …
Verner Panton: eccentric, psychedelic, visionary, innovative Read More »
Robin Day was one of the most acclaimed British Mid-Century Modern designers. His innovative furniture designs introduced materials such as steel, plywood, and plastic into the modern design world. His commitment to furniture durability and comfort led to mass-market successes like the ubiquitous Polyside and Polyprop chairs. Bio Born in 1915 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, …
Robin Day: durable, cost conscious, and comfortable MCM design Read More »
The Italian Carlo Mollino was one of the most eclectic Mid-Century modern characters. He was a designer, architect, and photographer with a passion for erotic Polaroids, car racing, and the occult. Inspired by organic and anthropomorphic forms, his Cavour desk and Arabesco table are best examples of his sensual design. Bio Carlo Mollino was an …
Hans Wegner learnt the art of crafting wood since the age of 13. Wegner’s prolific design embraces functionality and affordability exploiting his deep understanding of this material. His iconic MCM pieces include re-inventions of classics: like the Wishbone chair or the Peacock chair and innovations like the 3-legged Shell chair Bio Hans Wegner, son of …
Hans Wegner: the Danish craftsman who stayed in Denmark Read More »